NKK to Supply Steel Frames for Hong Kong's Tallest Skyscraper

NKK, jointly with Sumitomo Corporation, will supply structural steel frames for the base of the 420m-high Hong Kong Central Northeast Tower (HKCNT), which will be the tallest high-rise in Hong Kong when it is completed in late 2002. NKK will be responsible for the fabrication, transportation and on-site erection of about 6,000 tons of steel frames.

The HKCNT construction project is being undertaken by the Central Waterfront Corporation made up of Sun Hung Kai Properties, Ltd., Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd. -two of Hong Kong's prominent developers- China Bank and other partners. The building will have 88 aboveground and five underground stories that will house offices and hotels. Situated in Hong Kong's core Central district along the coast neighboring the Star Ferry terminal, banks and the Stock Exchange, the skyscraper is gathering attention as a sign of Hong Kong in rebirth.

NKK's steel frames, for use as structural columns in the five underground and five aboveground floors, will be fabricated at the Tsu Works using 50kg-class high strength steel plates (90mm in thickness) to satisfy the high workability, quality and short-delivery-time requirements. Erection of the steel frames at the construction site will begin in June 1998 and is scheduled for completion within three months.

Over the past 20 years, NKK has been actively involved in the construction of steel frames for high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, completing more than 20projects. The latest contract is based on NKK's past achievements as well as recognition for NKK's expertise among local customers.